I never thought I would leave the Republican Party, but I'm voting Biden-Harris this fall

[catbyte]

I watched the Democratic convention without a Republican lens and found an embrace of justice and diversity. Trump's convention will be a contrast.

Ashley Pratte, Opinion contributor
August 24, 2020

Four and a half years ago I considered myself a Republican, but then Donald Trump became the Republican nominee for president. Once his nomination was secured and it was clear the GOP would welcome his rhetoric with open arms, the party as I knew it was long gone.

This is the first year that I watched the Democratic National Convention without a Republican lens and found myself agreeing with the issues, speakers and most of all the positive rhetoric. The Democrats spoke of love and family, showing just how personal this election is for so many. Despite the doom and gloom that surrounds us, somehow the DNC was able to showcase the best of America and convey that the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket is fighting to not only restore America but to make her more equal and just for all.

In 2008, when I voted in my first presidential election, it was for Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. If you had told me that eight years later I would leave the Republican Party and that 12 years later I would be voting for Biden and Harris, I would have thought you were crazy. But in every life, there comes a time for important decisions and principled stands. Disowning the GOP and being one of the first to condemn Trump and his rhetoric is one of the proudest moments of my life.

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In the America of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, women are photo ops and political props as they are continuously degraded and objectified and white privilege is glorified. In the America of Biden and Harris, women will have real seats at the table, and they will include women of color. Our country must value different voices and the perspective they bring, and the Biden-Harris ticket will do just that. What’s more, it will bring decorum and professionalism to the Oval Office — something that has been missing since Trump arrived. It’s high time to rid the White House of sexist and racist rot.

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/08/24/trump-ruined-republican-party-for-me-choosing-biden-2020-column/3424095001/

[augyboston]

1. Welcome to the BIG TENT

Welcome to the BIG TENT.

We need you, America needs you and democracy needs you!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Excellent, thoughtful article!

She is a very positive addition to our Democratic Party!

[Enterstageleft]

3. Thank you Catbyte

Ashley, welcome to the party of caring & empathy.

[MustLoveBeagles]

4. Welcome to the party Ashley

[crickets]

5. It's so refreshing to see someone cross the aisle who isn't a never trumper.

She didn't just decide to vote for Joe this one time and move on. She bothered to watch the DNC convention and in the process realized, "Hey! I am a Democrat after all!" That's wonderful. Welcome to the party, Ashley Pratte!